Dispersed camping near Blackfoot, Idaho offers access to Bureau of Land Management lands situated between 4,400 and 5,500 feet elevation. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F in July and August, while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions. Most camping locations feature sagebrush-dominated terrain with occasional juniper stands providing limited shade.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Snake River Vista Recreation Site, you can "walk to the river and cast in" according to one visitor who noted "this would also be a great spot if you like to pole fish." The site is "about 8 miles to the American Falls Dam where you can kayak, SUP, fish, and picnic."
Hiking trails: Blackrock Canyon Recreation Site features "a cute little stream that runs below the site" and includes hiking trails nearby. One camper mentioned it has "a small stream, and hiking trails" while another noted there are "other trials for ATVs but plenty of nice spots for RVs or tents!"
Hot springs: Near Wolf Flats Recreation Area, you'll find hot springs for soaking after a day outdoors. A camper mentioned "there is a busy pool style hot spring down the road but its filled with camp ground people. However the pizza place is okay." This recreation area is located approximately 45 minutes from Idaho Falls.
What campers like
River access: Many sites offer proximity to water. At Wolf Flats Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "lots of great options to camp along the river!" One visitor shared they "watched marmots and foxes along the rocks" while another noted there are "lots of sites, many are right by the river."
Quiet settings: Despite highway proximity, Snake River Vista Recreation Site offers peaceful camping. A visitor reported "we were the only ones there" while another mentioned "you can hear the water, wonderful way to fall asleep!" One camper described finding "the perfect shady spot with fire pits built and the sound of the river in the background."
Mountain views: Indian Rocks Dispersed Camping provides scenic vistas with one camper noting "beautiful view of mountains" and another describing "pretty rolling hills." A visitor mentioned there are "10-12 campsites that are pretty level. Beautiful view on both sides."
What you should know
Road conditions: Most access roads require careful navigation. At McTucker Ponds Park, expect unpaved routes to reach camping areas. For Indian Rocks, visitors warn of "major wash board road" and advise to "go very slow," noting the "road is a little rough, but other than that it was great." Another camper described it as "potholed, but drivable w/o 4x4."
Amenities: Basic facilities vary by location. McTucker Ponds offers "an outhouse at the entrance - probably a 10-20 minute walk from any site, but nice to have. There were some dumpsters when I was there for garbage too which was nice." However, most dispersed sites have no facilities, requiring self-sufficiency.
Environmental factors: Be prepared for environmental challenges. At Pebble Creek Road Pull-Off, campers warn about being "50 yards from train tracks" with "a train every 1-2 hours that blows its horn the whole night." At another location, a visitor cautioned to "beware mosquitoes" while Snake River Vista campers noted the area "tends to get pretty hard during dry season so staking may be a bit more difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water play: While some water bodies look inviting, check conditions first. At McTucker Ponds, one visitor observed "water in the ponds looked a bit scummy, too bad - would be nice for a swim otherwise!" Wolf Flats offers river access though one camper noted it's "moving a little fast early September."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several sites provide chances to observe local wildlife. At Wolf Flats, campers can watch for "marmots and foxes along the rocks." Snake River Vista offers "pelicans included" according to one visitor, making for enjoyable wildlife spotting for children.
Noise considerations: Be selective about sites if traveling with light sleepers. Indian Rocks campers note "you can hear highway drone but not enough to keep you up" while another mentioned "this is a safe spot for overnight. Nice views of mountains. There is highway noise."
Tips from RVers
Size and clearance requirements: RV access varies significantly between sites. At Lava Hiking Trailhead, "the trailhead parking is gravel and easily accessible for all vehicles with several large turnouts that can be camped at." A visitor noted it provides a "fairly level area" suitable for vehicles.
Leveling challenges: Some areas present difficulties for larger vehicles. At Blackrock Canyon, one RVer warned "there is no place to level out your rig" for a 34-foot RV. Similarly, at Indian Rocks, campers advised "camper trailers can manueuver without difficulty" but larger rigs may struggle.
Technical access: Four-wheel drive requirements affect site selection. At Snake River Vista, visitors note "definitely a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle only now. It's very rutted and low clearance would drag badly" while others advise "the first two or three spots are just about accessible with a two-wheel drive, but you need a slightly higher wheelbase due to the deep channels."
